Most Difficult Thing About Single Handing ?

[ovrmyhead]

When my old man was single handing the windlass was down (still is). I'm in pretty good shape, but when the wind is blowing, pulling on that 45lb cqr with 150' of chain kills me. Without someone at the helm pushing us forward it'd be dam near impossible. Don't know how he did it day after day.

[thinwater]

Sleep. Everything else is doable.

In most ways I have fewer problems single handing, because I plan better. That is not a ding against the crew; when I have crew I am far more likely to be mentally lazy.

[bobconnie]

Ive slept in cat naps my whole life, started out Fishing for a living, went on to other fishing type work without the real fishing, packer boat, delivery boat ect) then to Capt of Missionary vessel in the South Pacific and inter Island delivery boat, mail food ect, bilt a boat or two I just have always felt that sleep was a waste anyway! LOL So single handing has never botherd me to much as far as sleep go's but after 15 or 20 days I get a little lonely!! and some companionship is nice ! have done little singleing since Connie and I got together, but we have done some LONG ones together ! watch on watch !! its not to bad except eating WELL alone is Hard !! I hate cold beans LOL much rather eat warm fresh bread LOL

[eyschulman]

I think you have to subdivide the issue. #1 offshore sleep and lookout #2 inshore-best way to sail and gunkhole. Think ahead-stay cool when **** hits the fan-learn how to crawl again

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Take a look at this file. There's some good tips.

I found it looking for single handed info. maybe it'll help. Like others mentioned, sleep issues (or lack of) seem to be noted quite a bit.

Edit: file too big to attach but here's a link: www.sfbaysss.org/tipsbook/SinglehandedTips.pdf

[s/v Breakaway]

Dan 78 : attached file?

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by s/v Breakaway

Dan 78 : attached file?

Link work for you?

[s/v Breakaway]

Originally Posted by Dan_78

Link work for you?

Yep. thx

[rigormortis]

For me the toughest thing to do is to pick up an (unknown) mooring ball, especially in a breeze. You lose sight of the damn thing early in the game. I try and bring it alongside and pick it up about midships but the breezes can make it a try and try again situation. There's nothing more pleasing than to see a dinghy heading your way as you circle your chosen mooring.
The further from shore the easier the sleep.
Landing a big fish is troublesome with all the crap I have near and in cockpit area. Always worth it, though.
Kicking the chain pile over whilst de-anchoring and in amongst other anchored boats (and of course a breeze blowing) is exciting.
On the plus side, every item of food you buy is something you like. Same deal with booze.
Pete

[eyschulman]

Mooring ball no sweat. rig line from bow to cockpit use a pattented hook system on your boat hook pole and back up wind to ball and bring it to where you can hook or grab it from cockpit then go forward and shorten line. Just don't fowel the thing in your prop-keep your stern quarter sl. downwind of float that keeps lines away from boat. Its all mental and not so hard when the thinking is right. You might also want to back into wind up to a dock in a real blow much easier to get a line on when alone and keep control.

[rigormortis]

Eyeshule:
This is interesting idea. I don't back up well, but who does? It is a matter of practice and knowing your prop kick.
I will give it a try next time I am circling the ball.
Thanks,
Pete

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by thinwater

In most ways I have fewer problems single handing, because I plan better. That is not a ding against the crew; when I have crew I am far more likely to be mentally lazy.

+1.

Also very annoying when well intentioned by standers try to "help" when docking single handed.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I think you should also ask what are the great things about sailing alone
as I find the amazing personal insight and beauty of increadable peace that comes from being alone and totally in charge of your life I have been solo sailing for a decade and find it hard to sail with company some will say its selfishness but that is not so it is the joy of sailing into a deserted anchorage and dropping the pick and feel pleased with yourself that gives many solo sailors the real BUZZ

+1

Some of my most memorable sails have been single handed, but longer-term cruising is definitely more enjoyable when you have someone to share it with.

[Multihull]

Originally Posted by eyschulman

Mooring ball no sweat. rig line from bow to cockpit use a pattented hook system on your boat hook pole and back up wind to ball and bring it to where you can hook or grab it from cockpit then go forward and shorten line. Just don't fowel the thing in your prop-keep your stern quarter sl. downwind of float that keeps lines away from boat. Its all mental and not so hard when the thinking is right. You might also want to back into wind up to a dock in a real blow much easier to get a line on when alone and keep control.

+1
Best approach as backing up gives much more control.

[zeta]

Having to single hand everything